LOOSE ENDS

Step right up!

lie. I refuse to eat anything that makes rude noises and the only food

I’d eat that wiggles is JellO. In truth all it takes is a whiff of over-ripe ba- nanas to get my gag reflex going so don’t double-dare me.

K-Days organizers have released this year’s ‘adventurous’ food lineup.

Step right up for a peanut butter and pickle dog. Pink lemonade ice cream. Extreme Zeus poutine. Pepperoni pizza grilled cheese. Just to name a few. Wash it all down with Spicy pickle lemonade or Mango coconut lucky ducky bucky which sounds cute but holds absolutely no interest to me.

This year the entire lineup, considered an experience unto itself, comes off as sort of tame. Mustard or ketchup ice creams and maybe Habanero Cherry Ice Cream Taco offer a chance of some spice but Oreo Fried Cheesecake and Corn Ribs sound like something Aunt Bea would cook up for Sunday supper at the church hall, followed by Grannie’s strawberry and rhubarb pie.

Carnival food is supposed to be fun and ‘a little odd’ but despite a claim that some of the offerings feel like they could have started out as a dare, Deep-fried Squid on a Stick is about as daring as it gets. The picture it paints in your mind stops way short of squeamish and I notice the menu stays away from anything grub or bug related (although I’ve heard fried grasshoppers are a crunchy delight that is pure protein).

But the idea behind the new and unusual foods is to attract people, not re- pulse them, like the huge hissing and wiggling Madagascar cockroaches and other yucky stuff contestants of that TV show, Fear Factor, for example, had to eat. To be acceptable on the midway the roaches would have to be very dead, breaded and deep-fried (on a stick, optional), and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. But I wouldn’t call eating one a treasured part of anyone’s annual K-Days experience, even if they tacked on the possibility of a big cash prize at the end.

I might try some Halo Halo, from the sweet side of the menu, and Quesabirria ramen from the savoury and wash it all down with a big cup of Masala shikanji, if only to find out what the heck they are. But I might find them wanting if nothing hisses at me…

Ha! That’s an outright

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF 2023 COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES IS JULY 31, 2023

A 2% penalty will be added to any outstanding current taxes on August 1, 2023

Also, a 10% penalty will be added to any outstanding current taxes on November 1, 2023

Tax payments can be made at the County Office

3755 43 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 3S8

After hours/weekends payments can be placed in the mailbox at the front door

Please do not deposit cash in the mailbox OR

Online or at any financial institution (on or before deadline) OR

Cheques received post-marked by July 31, 2023

Camrose County offers a Pre-Authorized Monthly

Payment Plan for taxes. The deadline to apply is June 30th each year. However, you can start January 1st for next year. If you wish to start in January, your application must be received before December 15, 2023. Application forms and further information can be obtained by contacting our office at 780-672-4446 or from our County website: www.county.camrose.ab.ca

Paul King County Administrator

The Beaver District 4-H Council would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the following businesses, companies and individuals who supported our first annual fundraiser through monetary donations, silent auction items and ticket sales.

• Kinsella Community Hall

• StraightVac Services

• Burner Energy Service Ltd.

• Home-Time Realty

• Viking Lions Club

• Beaver Emergency Medical Services

• Pine Cliff Energy

• Wetaskiwin Ready Mix

• Cardinal Energy Ltd.

• 6B Welding & Fab

• Viking Elks Club

• ADN Design

• Town of Viking

• Holco Construction

• Tofield Packers

• Section 35 Farm Distillery

• Claystone Waste Ltd.

• Bob Ash Trucking

• BASF Chemical

• Viking Livestock Supply

• Sixtree Signs

• Friends of 4-H

• Arber Greenhouses Ltd.

• Lango Cattle Co.

• Brooke’s Family

• Sherri-Lynn Wenger - Thirty-one consultant

• Country Doghouse Grooming & Creations

• TMT Wildrags

• Leanin Heeler Design Co.

• Bar H Leather Work

• Wye Knot Massage - Tofield

• Black Bear Boutique

• Golden Drop Honey

• Mint Pharmacy - Viking

• Laurie’s Vintage Creations

• Co-operators - Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd.

• Nutrien - Viking

• Lazuli Farms

• Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd - Viking

• Moonshine Cafe

• ATCO Gas

• Braided Mane Hair Company

• Peavey Mart - Vegreville

• KYBA Customs

• Nanninga Construction

• Heather McLean - Travel Agent

• Bumper to Bumper - Viking

We could not have had the success of the event without Aimee Boese being our emcee, Travis Dolter, Dance With Me-Social Dance Club (Sherry Tovell), our four 4-H clubs and our astounding volunteers. Everyone’s support and contributions means the world to our 4-H members!